Dozens of people caught across Suffolk using mobile phone while driving during campaign
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Over 60 people were caught using a mobile phone while driving during a week-long enforcement campaign carried out by the Suffolk Constabulary. Op Ringtone, which ran between July 10 and 16, saw officers patrolling the roads with marked and unmarked cars and motorcycles, all fitted with cameras to obtain evidence to help secure successful prosecutions.
Roads policing officers issued 62 penalty notices to drivers in Suffolk caught breaking the law. Driving while using a mobile phone is one of the ‘fatal four’ offences which makes you more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision; alongside speeding, drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Suffolk Police made use of the campaign to highlight that members of the public can now submit dash cam footage to support the fight against those breaking the law. Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, head of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing & Firearms Operations Unit, said: “We are doing everything within our power to stop offenders and hopefully prevent serious or fatal collisions. However, with the help of the public, submitting footage and supporting our investigations, we will be able to hold more lawbreakers to account. “My hope is that having extra eyes on the road will help prevent offences and make people think twice about touching their mobile device. “No text or call is that important it’s worth risking your licence for, or worst causing injury or death.” Police work closely with partner agencies, including Think! Suffolk Road Safety Partnership to educate drivers and improve safety. A lot of work is focused on the fatal four motoring offences of drink-driving, speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt. Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore said: “Time and time again we see drivers using their phones on the move so I was fully behind the Constabulary’s Operation Ringtone campaign to increase enforcement on our county’s roads. “Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives. It absolutely horrifies me when I see drivers on their phones and sadly we see it all too often. “I hope that the new penalties that drivers face for using their mobile phone, and the fact that members of the public are submitting footage, will finally make those who continue to flaunt the law take note.” |